
Race Date
Sep 12, 2026
Location
North Bend, WA
#5 Fastest Boston Qualifier in the Nation The Cascade Express Marathon & Half in North Bend, WA offers fast, scenic downhill marathon and half marathon courses along the Palouse to Cascades Trail that meet Boston Marathon qualifying standards with no 5-minute penalty.
This course is a premier Boston Qualifier, with a high BQ rate! Enjoy 26.2 miles of fast scenic downhill with a gorgeous view of the Cascade Mountains as you glide down the gravel trail on this point-to-point course. This is the ONLY marathon course that features jaw-dropping views as you run along Keechelus Lake. With 1247’ of gradual net downhill, we assure you that you will “find your super fast” on the way to a speedy time, PR, or BQ! This is the third and final event in our 3-race Downhill Super Series. Downhill Super Series The Cascade Express Half is one of the fastest half-marathon courses in the country! Enjoy 13.1 miles of scenic downhill with a gorgeous view of the Cascade Mountains as you glide down the gravel trail on this point-to-point course. This is the ONLY half-marathon course that features a run through the famous 2.4-mile Snoqualmie Tunnel. With 1000’ of gradual net downhill, we assure you that you will “find your super fast” on the way to a speedy time or a PR! Enjoy your finish with a custom medal, a tech shirt, and a drop bag.
Marathon USATF certification WA25021RMB Marathon is a Boston qualifier Half Marathon USATF certification WA25023RMB Visit the official race website for full race details, course maps, and race weekend information: Cascade Express
Race Day
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
Tri-blend T-Shirt (size not guaranteed after 8/1)
Start Location
Homestead Valley Trailhead, North Bend, WA, 98045
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+14.58 m
Separation
75.8%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
WA25023RMB · Expires 2035 · Super Hyak/Cascade express half marathon
Net uphill grade — expect a more challenging race. Point-to-point course layout.
Median Finish
2:15:22
10:20/mi
Winning Time
1:12:49
5:34/mi
Finishers (2024)
333
States Represented
1 / 50
Gender Split
FASTER 25%
1:56:53
MEDIAN
2:15:22
SLOWER 25%
2:37:12
Start (Low)
55°
Afternoon (High)
71°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
5 mph
Wind
80%
Humidity
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